Major River Floods Hit Paris: Thousands Evacuated as Water Levels Soar

Heavy rains have caused the Seine River to flood, resulting in significant disruptions throughout Paris. Since Monday morning, water levels have surged, prompting emergency services to evacuate thousands of residents. Authorities describe this flood as the worst Paris has experienced in over ten years.

The flooding began after several days of continuous rainfall across northern and central France. The Seine River overflowed its banks in multiple neighborhoods, including popular tourist areas near the Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Streets transformed into waterways, forcing numerous shops and homes to close. Public transportation also encountered severe interruptions, with some train services suspended.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne visited the affected zones on Tuesday, assuring citizens that the government is mobilizing all necessary resources to manage the crisis. Emergency shelters have been opened, and hundreds of firefighters and rescue workers are actively assisting in evacuations and damage control. Officials warn that additional rain may exacerbate the situation in the coming days.

Local residents have shared their experiences:

• Pierre Dubois, a shop owner near the river, stated, “I have never seen anything like this. Water rose so fast that we barely had time to save our belongings.”
• Several schools in flooded districts have been temporarily closed for safety reasons.

Meteorologists explain that a major weather system caused the heavy rainfall, contributing to the severe flooding. Experts caution that such extreme weather events may become more frequent due to climate change.

City officials are urging the public to:

1. Avoid flooded areas.
2. Follow all safety guidelines.
3. Prepare for possible evacuations, especially those living near rivers.

Authorities continue to monitor water levels and weather conditions closely. This flooding occurs amid ongoing recovery from last summer’s heatwaves and droughts, increasing the challenges for local communities and emergency responders.

Efforts are underway to coordinate relief and restore normalcy as soon as possible. Besides safety concerns, the floods pose threats to cultural landmarks and infrastructure, necessitating careful assessment.

Stay tuned for further updates from Questiqa Europe News.

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